Calculation of Auger rates for complex hollow-atom configurations

In this paper, the general behaviour of the Auger rates of hollow atoms for different types of configurations involving identical or non-identical ele ctrons is studied in order to reveal trends in the decay properties of thes e complex systems. For highly charged ions neutralized with electrons in ex cited configurations, conventional calculations such as those using availab le atomic structure codes are generally out of reach. Therefore, we have de veloped a global approach which allows one to estimate the Auger rates for these 'exotic' systems. When using this method in several simple cases (nit rogen, neon), it has been possible to reproduce level-by-level calculations with good accuracy. Our new approach has allowed us to calculate lifetimes for hollow xenon, lead and thorium ions and the results are discussed in c onnection with recent experimental data on ion-fullerene collisions.